Thrashers Send Goalie Kari Lehtonen to Stars

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Thrashers have traded a former franchise cornerstone for the second time in less than a week, sending goaltender Kari Lehtonen to the Dallas Stars.

The Thrashers received defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft in the deal Tuesday night.

The Thrashers say the 21-year-old Vishnevskiy will report to their AHL affiliate in Chicago.

Atlanta traded leading scorer and team captain Ilya Kovalchuck to New Jersey on Thursday for three players and a first-round pick.

Lehtonen, a native of Finland, posted a 94-83-17 record in 204 games with Atlanta, setting franchise records for wins and games played by a goaltender. He has not played in the NHL this season following two back surgeries.